| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| The Sage |
Posted - 21 Aug 2009 : 08:12:43
Well met
This is a Book Club thread for The Crystal Mountain (Book 3 of "The Empyrean Odyssey"), by Thomas M. Reid. Please discuss chapters 14 - 18 herein. |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 12 Mar 2010 : 19:23:57
quote:
Originally posted by gomez
I just couldn't help siding with Kaanyr, though I was disappointed that he turned against Aliisza.
Personally, I found Aliisza's redemption a bit poorly done. Solars that deny a mother her child and then lie to that child about her...
I can see that solars are imperfect and blinded by 'justice', but this didn't sound right.
I hated to see everyone die, as well. It would have been more satisfying if there had been some resolution between Kaanyr and Alissza, a confirmation of their love despite them ending up opposite each other. That didn't really happen, and that made their deaths rather unsatisfying.
I understand what your saying , but I dont think either Alisza or Kaanyr were capable of real love. (at least until She realized her love for her son), but I dont think Kaanyr evr got past his selfishness enough to love her beyond the few small pangs her felt. |
| gomez |
Posted - 11 Feb 2010 : 08:15:48
I just couldn't help siding with Kaanyr, though I was disappointed that he turned against Aliisza.
Personally, I found Aliisza's redemption a bit poorly done. Solars that deny a mother her child and then lie to that child about her...
I can see that solars are imperfect and blinded by 'justice', but this didn't sound right.
I hated to see everyone die, as well. It would have been more satisfying if there had been some resolution between Kaanyr and Alissza, a confirmation of their love despite them ending up opposite each other. That didn't really happen, and that made their deaths rather unsatisfying.
|
| ywhtptgtfo |
Posted - 26 Jan 2010 : 06:52:30
Here's my review:
The series is relatively well-written in overall. Being one of the few planar adventures in D&D, Mr. Reid fully exploited the opportunity to project his imagination on a myriad collection of supernatural beings and dimensions. For most occasions, a lavish amount of details are given to properly describe fascinating features and locations.
In terms of plot, it flows quite well and lacks ambiguity. There are no fillers and relatively little amount of wasteful dialogous. However, there's still much improvement to be had:
(1) Helm vs. Tyr
The roles of Helm and Tyr seemed reversed in this book. According to previous lore, Helm's the one who preaches "duty above all else" whereas Tyr's generally viewed as the more level-minded type.
(2) Celestials
Devas, planetars, and solars are love-lived intelligent beings. Especially for planetars and solars, they should be much wiser than a typically wise mortal even if they aren't perfect themselves. So, I'd consider the causes of their arguments to be extremely unsuitable.
In addition, since Tyr's the deity of justice, it is reasonable to expect his most capable followers to know how to wield law in an exceptionally intelligent manner.
(3) Micus
He seemed to be steadily progressing towards a "fallen" status, but that's unexploited.
(4) Tauran and Alisza
Both seem to have great potential for more storytelling even in the end. The fact that the ending went the way it did makes me feel Mr. Reid has dumped two well-developed characters into the garbage. I am sure a lot of readers will be interested in a trilogy about either of these characters.
(5) Gods in general
Their actions defy common sense, but that's WotC's fault and not because "gods work in mysterious ways" |
| Xysma |
Posted - 09 Nov 2009 : 04:31:05
Anyone know what the black, skinless demons that accompany Vhok to the Lifespring are? I can't seem to place them. |
| gwalchavad |
Posted - 23 Aug 2009 : 14:52:24
so as everyone present wasn't completely consumed, can we presume that the 'spellplague' was not a single moment per say, but rather several recuring explosions, changes, etc. Several of the players were 'changed' due to the insident, but several remained unchanged and if I remember several casters were able to continue their art unchanged. They all said they could feel a difference, but everything was business as usual for the most part. |
| Bladewind |
Posted - 23 Aug 2009 : 13:33:26
I liked the trilogy aswell.
The begining is right after dweomerharts' destruction. It's a bit hard to believe all the characters survived that... I didn't understand how Zasian could have survived as a living vessel... where can I find more info on this phenomena in the realms?
The crystal mountains characters we're a "lovely" diverce bunch; plaguechanged fusing abominations, scheming mariliths, staunch angels and living vessels all making interesting appearances. The ending was a bit hard to accept after all the time I'd spent with the main protagonists.
|
| gwalchavad |
Posted - 21 Aug 2009 : 18:43:41
please someone talk with me about this series.  I enjoyed it alot and don't want to drop any spoilers before more people have read it. Cheers Mr Reid! |
| gwalchavad |
Posted - 21 Aug 2009 : 12:18:49
Thank you for a wonderful book! I've been waiting for this trilogy since the GHotR came out. Again three Cheers!!! Couldn't put it down.
G |
|
|
